Lawyers in Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State have commenced an indefinite protest over the continued use of virtual hearings in High Courts across the district, saying the practice is affecting the administration of justice.

The affected judicial divisions include Nsukka, Obollo-Afor, Enugu-Ezike, Ogbede and Orba.

Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nsukka Branch, Barr. Christopher Agbo, who spoke on Friday, said the protest began on June 2, 2026, and would continue until judges resume physical sittings within the district.

According to him, the continued reliance on virtual hearings by administrative judges posted to the area has created operational challenges for court users and slowed down the hearing of cases.

He said court proceedings are often conducted remotely, with lawyers, litigants and witnesses following proceedings in the courtroom through digital devices provided by court staff.

Barr. Agbo noted that while virtual hearings are provided for under court rules, they are intended mainly for emergency or exceptional situations, and not as a substitute for regular physical court sittings.

He said the arrangement has contributed to delays in proceedings, with some cases taking longer than usual due to network and connectivity issues.

“Sometimes we sit in courtrooms till late in the day because of poor network service,” he said, adding that participants often follow proceedings conducted remotely from outside the district.

He also raised concerns about delays in accessing case files and certified court documents, saying this affects case management and scheduling.

Barr. Agbo said lawyers in the district had made several efforts to address the situation, including engagements with the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena, and other stakeholders, but the matter remained unresolved.

He added that members of the Bar were willing to support any arrangement that would improve access to justice and ensure smoother court operations within the district.

The NBA chairman said the protest would continue until a resolution is reached that ensures more effective and efficient court proceedings in the district. (Vanguard)

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